Since the murder of 20 young children and 6 brave educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., much discussion has been going on about limiting access to guns. On the side of limitation are politicians, media, Hollywood and criminals. On the other side of the issue are the law-abiding citizens. In a national poll, 74 percent of Americans are in favor of gun ownership for personal protection.

As we look at limiting use of firearms or the total ban, we must look at the purpose of the Second Amendment, the results of armed citizens and the purpose of dismantling gun ownership. In the understanding the Second Amendment, James Wilson, one of the six founders who signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, said, “The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it.”

When the Second Amendment was added to the Constitution, it was recognized that the “first law of nature” was the right of self-protection. This right of protection comes as an inalienable right given to us by our creator.

The right to bear arms was not included with the idea of hunting or target practicing. It was added to the Constitution as a protection against our government (that inferior power) and its tendency to take power from the citizens.

With the concealed weapon’s permits that have been passed in most states, the violent crimes in all of those states have decreased. According to the FBI, violent crimes in the United States have decreased between 2002 and 2011 by nearly 50 percent. Murder and negligent manslaughter rates have also dropped by nearly 50 percent.

Chicago and Washington, D.C. are the two cities with the most violent crimes and they are “gun free zones.” These cities invite violence into their cities because of their stance on the Second Amendment.

These are the facts. We have a fundamental right to own and carry guns for our personal protection and the protection of our families.